Iryna Stefaniuk & Iwona Urbańska-Wlazły - Erasmus entrepreneurs

Success stories

Recent testimonies of successful business networking - Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme

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New entrepreneur:
Iryna Stefaniuk (Ukraine)
Age: 40
Company name: (Start-up)
Sector of activity: Health, beauty and social services


"This exchange was a turning point for me. I gained practical skills business knowledge and the confidence to pursue my dream of opening a salon abroad. Working with Iwona was inspiring and empowering.''


Host entrepreneur:
Iwona Urbańska-Wlazły (Poland)
Age: 47
Company name: Salonik fryzjerski Yvonne / https://www.facebook.com/salonikyvonne (14 years of experience)
Sector of activity: Health, beauty and social services

''Working with Iryna was a valuable experience. Her eagerness to learn diligence and openness inspired me to share knowledge and improve my skills. Our cooperation took place in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding and gave a solid base for further growth.''


Period of exchange: 04/2025 until 05/2025
Duration of exchange: 1 month

 

Results and benefits

 

2 new companies created
2 new contacts
Beauty services (hair salon)

 

Ms. Iwona Urbańska-Wlazły, an experienced Polish hairdresser and salon owner, and, Ms. Iryna Stefaniuk, an aspiring Ukrainian new entrepreneur, took part in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program. Iwona discovered the opportunity through her intermediary organisation in Poland, while Iryna learned about it via social media.

Iwona, the Host Entrepreneur, decided to participate to share her knowledge, gain new perspectives, and refresh her own approach through mentorship. Iryna, motivated by the outbreak of war in Ukraine and a long-standing dream of opening her own salon, saw this program as a unique chance for professional development. She hoped to acquire practical skills, learn how to run a business, and understand the Polish market.

Iwona expected the exchange to bring fresh ideas and trends into her salon, while Iryna sought to build confidence, master new techniques, and prepare to launch her own business abroad.



During the exchange, Ms. Iryna Stefaniuk assisted in daily salon operations, including hair washing, coloring, cutting, styling, and customer service. She observed and practiced modern techniques under the guidance of Ms. Iwona Urbańska-Wlazły, who also introduced her to the business side of salon management.

Their relationship was open, collaborative, and based on mutual respect. Iryna showed strong commitment and creativity, contributing ideas for improving client service and marketing. Iwona acted as a mentor, sharing her knowledge and experience while also gaining fresh insights from Iryna’s perspective. The cooperation was successful and productive, with both parties expressing interest in future collaboration.



The exchange brought valuable benefits to both entrepreneurs. Iryna Stefaniuk developed practical hairdressing skills, improved her customer service abilities, and gained insight into running a salon in a new market. She also learned about the legal and technical requirements for starting a business in Poland.

Ms. Iwona Urbańska-Wlazły gained fresh ideas, energy, and exposure to new trends, enhancing her salon’s services. The collaboration improved client satisfaction and productivity. Both entrepreneurs expressed a willingness to continue their cooperation, potentially through joint ventures or mutual business support.

The exchange also helped build professional confidence and created international contacts that may support future growth.



For more information, please contact the local contact points involved in the exchange:

New entrepreneur's contact point:
LLC "CIVITTA UKRAINE" (Kyiv, Ukraine)

Host entrepreneur's contact point:
FUNDACJA UNIWERSYTETU IM ADAMA MICKIEWICZA W POZNANIU (Poznan, Poland)

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